SRQ DAILY Dec 13, 2021
Monday Business Edition
"The Business Assistance Grants initiative has actively engaged those communities and is making an impactful change."
A total of 38 Sarasota area businesses were selected for Opportunities For All Business Assistance Funds grants. A selection committee with the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce picked the winners out of some 150 applicants.
“We are so proud to not only hear the needs of our minority small-business owners in the communities we serve, but the Business Assistance Grants initiative has actively engaged those communities and is making an impactful change,” said Kaveecia Moore, Opportunities For All manager.
The program is run by the chamber and funded by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundationwhich provided $250,000 for the effort. Its purpose is to support minority small business owners and assist in the business growth.
It’s a two part program that provides funding for companies but also serves as a help/support deskfor those businesses at the chamber and pairs the companies with prospective interns from the Sarasota-Manatee region.
The program was announced in March, with Chamber leaders saying they would work closely with the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce and the Latin Chamber of Commerce
The winners include: 301 Tires, Abundant Blessing Consulting Services, American Field Inspections, Around The Way Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, BEST Employment SoluTions; Biom Priobiotics, Black and Tam Cigar Bar and Lounge, Compound Catering, Dapper Bowtique, Drummerboy Entertainment, Emerge Sarasota, Family Fixins, Flashfoor Academy, Freestyle Healing SRQ, Happy Soul, King HR Services, La Brisa Tacos y Mariscos, Learn My History Foundation, Love At Home Care, Luxury Barber Lounge, Margwine Organization, Mary Butler, Minet’s Table, Mission Made Possble, Mountain View Media, Music Compound, My Reality Speaks, NewSara Logistics, Newtown Nation, Queens of Domestic Violence Awareness, RDA FL Solutions, Settles Stump Grinding & Tree Service, Single Mom & A Mop, Styles By Maria, The Freeland Eddie Law Group, Tunstall Tires, Wee Kare Concierge and Willmoores Twangy Wing Sauce. 
Photo courtesy Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
Columbia Care Inc., one of the largest and most experienced cultivators, manufacturers and providers of cannabis products in the U.S. recently celebrated the opening of Cannabist in Sarasota on December 8, 2021. In September 2021, Columbia Care received approval from the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) to operate as Cannabist. Locations currently include: Cape Coral, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Melbourne, Miami, Orlando, Longwood, Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Brandon, Delray Beach, St. Augustine, Stuart and Sarasota.
More than a dispensary, Cannabist is Columbia Care’s new award-winning retail brand that provides a higher experience built on passion, technology innovation, community commitment and product standards. Cannabist dispensaries center around making cannabis shopping approachable and straightforward, accommodating the vast range of experience levels patients may have when they walk through the doors. Technology will enable a seamless and personalized shopping experience anywhere, from in-store to at-home. Each Cannabist location will have Forage, Columbia Care’s proprietary online cannabis discovery tool.
Cannabist's Forage tool is designed to streamline and customize the individual shopping experience for expert and novice patients alike. This hands-on, interactive, web-based platform suggests curated products depending on the user’s desired mood and experience, and syncs with their local dispensary's inventory and pricing to enable online orders. The immersive platform can be experienced online by visiting forage.io or in Cannabist’s Florida dispensaries via a large interactive panel, per an industry exclusive partnership with display provider Lightbox. Additionally, Forage allows the user to engage with the dispensary’s loyalty program and learn more about its brands, promotions and products.
Cannabist retail locations will be home to premium brands that focus on the highest quality and reliability and will continue to collaborate with brands run by fellow cannabis connoisseurs and social equity businesses. At the beginning of 2021, the company introduced a number of new products, including edibles, to the market. The store will serve patients with a medical card issued by the state of Florida.
For more information, visit gocannabist.com/florida
Interior shot of Sarasota's new Cannabist location, courtesy of the company
YMCA of Southwest Florida operates two A-rated, tuition free, public charter middle schools- SKY Academy, which stands for Strength and Knowledge at the YMCA. SKY Academy supports middle school students and their families by providing strong academics, healthy living and a supporting environment allowing children to thrive. SKY Academy has the same standards as other public schools; it’s our approach that makes us unique. Subjects are studied through the lens of wellness.
SKY Academy’s focus is based on research that proves physical activity builds and conditions the brain for learning. In fact, schools around the nation using this philosophy have shown outstanding results in students’ academic achievement, fitness and well-being.
With schools in Venice and Englewood, YMCA of Southwest Florida is able to advance its mission to ensure every child has access to an education that promotes students’ overall well-being. At SKY Academy, there is not only a focus on academics and physical activity, but also mental health and positive character development. Students are provided opportunities to develop a further understanding of self and others. This approach allows students to strengthen and develop their mental, physical, social and emotional health while achieving academic excellence.
For more information about SKY Academy, please visit skyatthey.com
Jennifer Jaso, a social studies and critical thinking teacher at Sarasota Middle School, was named the 2022 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year at the annual celebration of educators hosted by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. The Ignite Education awards celebration honoring Sarasota County teachers is a highly anticipated annual event sponsored by the Education Foundation in conjunction with Sarasota County Schools. Event organizers were happy to resume an in-person celebration, held this year at Michael’s on East in Sarasota, after producing the 2021 tribute as a virtual event due to the pandemic.
In addition, Stephanie Vlahakis, the 2021 Innovation Award recipient, announced Jacob Lasorso, an industrial education instructor at Suncoast Technical College, as the 2022 Innovation Award honoree. The award recognizes a Teacher of the Year who is creative in approach, willing to think outside the box, and able to connect students with learning in unique ways. The 43 Teacher of the Year designees representing their respective schools also were recognized and received cash awards. For the program’s finale, Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen invited Vigne to join him on stage to announce the 2022 district honoree.
“We are extremely thankful for each one of our amazing teachers,” said Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen. “Their resilience and commitment are both inspiring and energizing as they passionately serve our students and families. Our Teachers of the Year truly have made a positive impact on the lives of their students and we are very proud of them. Please join me in recognizing these outstanding teachers, as well as extending a special congratulations to our 2022 Teacher of the Year, Dr. Jennifer Jaso.”
Jaso will represent district teachers throughout the 2022 calendar year and serve as the district’s nominee for state Teacher of the Year. The Education Foundation presented Jaso with a $5,000 cash award and Haddad and Urquiza with awards of $2,500 each. Vigne thanked Sunset Automotive Group for providing the cash awards and other generous supporters who made it possible to sponsor the celebration event.
The event was live-streamed and the post-event video can be viewed at EdFoundationSRQ.org/ignite.
2022 Teacher of the Year Finalists (l-r): Loridia Urquiza, 2022 High School Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Jaso, 2022 District Teacher of the Year, Shannon Haddad, 2022 Elementary School Teacher of the Year.
Amy Worth, a Broker-Associate with RE/MAX Platinum Realty, has been named the REALTOR® of the Year by the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM). The award recognizes REALTORS® who have contributed to the local, state and national REALTOR® associations, as well as to the community, and have achieved other business accomplishments. During her 30-year career, Worth served as 2019 RASM President and as a member of the Board of Directors, Nominating Committee, Professional Standards Committee and REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC). She currently serves as Chair of the Charitable Foundation and Fundraising Committee. On the state level, she has served on the Florida REALTORS® Board of Directors since 2012, as well as on several committees and task forces.
Worth was the 2013 President of the Florida Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) and served on the WCR National Executive Committee. She has earned the Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) endorsement from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. She holds the Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI), Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), Certified Depressed Property Expert (CDPE), and e-PRO designations, as well as the WCR Performance Management Network (PMN) designation. She supports Children’s Miracle Network, First Step Sarasota and Silent Angels, among other charitable organizations.
Worth is based in the RE/MAX Platinum Realty downtown Sarasota office at 1500 State Street, and can be reached at 941-928-5342, platinumrealtyflorida.com
Headshot courtesy of Platinum Realty
Second Heart Homes is expanding its successful supportive-housing program to serve chronically homeless women with mental illnesses. The organization, which currently houses and serves 24 formerly homeless men with mental illnesses, recently purchased two homes and began housing its first two female residents on December 1st. The expansion is supported by a $125,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and other donations. This funding will enable Second Heart Homes to house, love, and assist 12 single women—taking them off the streets and directing them to better lives.
“While our supportive housing program for men has been very successful, we have learned that homeless women have more complex challenges and that there aren’t enough supportive housing services in Sarasota to meet their needs,” said Megan Howell, founder and executive director of Second Heart Homes. “In comparison to homeless men, homeless women have higher rates of mental illness, chronic health issues, trauma, addiction and abuse. For most, sexual abuse or domestic violence is the root cause of their homelessness, yet many return their abusers when they can’t find long-term housing.”
“We applaud Second Heart Home for using the ‘housing first’ model which is effective in getting people back on track,” says Teri A Hansen, President|CEO of Barancik Foundation. “They already have had a positive impact as our community struggles with a housing crisis, so we hope others will help with this important work.” According to recent reports from the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness, more than 200 women in our community are currently homeless.
Pictured: Denise and Mary Anne, recently assisted and housed by Second Heart Homes. Photo courtesy of the nonprofit
The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation recently awarded over $1.1 million in grants to 21 nonprofit organizations which provide local communities with much needed services. The capital expenditure grants awarded this Fall - ranging from $8,000 to $150,000 - will make a significant impact in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto communities in a number of areas including: Technology; Education; Transportation; Environment; Health and Human Services; and Facilities.
During 2021, the Foundation has awarded a total of more than $3.3 million in grants and scholarships.As part of this grant cycle, the Foundation launched its Small and Mighty Grant (SAM) program developed to respond to the needs of small-scale, nonprofit organizations in the communities served by the Foundation. To qualify, organizations must have less than $300,000 in annual operating expenses and the request must be for a capital expenditure(s). Three organizations were awarded the inaugural SAM grants totalling $37,450 including: Kiwanis of North Port, to assist with interior/exterior improvements to the Children’s Closet; SPAACES Foundation, to assist with interior improvements and purchase of technology equipment; and Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative, to assist with the furnishing of office space. “We were excited to launch the SAM grants program this year as we continue to witness the incredible impact smaller organizations are making on the communities they serve,” states Carol Butera, the Selby Foundation’s president and CEO. “We’re proud to recognize and support the work of all our Fall grant recipients whose awards total over $1.1 million. By year end 2021, the Foundation will have awarded more than $2.5 million in grants and nearly $825,000 in scholarships,” Butera added.
For more information, contact Diane Ballinger at 941-957-0442 or dballinger@selbyfdn.org
The Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab’s STEAM Saturdays classes are back by popular demand. The weekly courses provide students from grades 1-12 with a unique opportunity to explore various science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) areas through engaging hands on activities and the use of high-tech Fab Lab equipment such as laser cutters, vinyl cutters, 3D printers and more. STEAM Saturdays run weekly from 10 am-1 pm beginning Saturday, October 2. Returning classes include Robotics, Engineering, Chemistry and Art Lab, while new courses like Coding & Artificial Intelligence, Electric Engineering, and Build Your Brand have been added. All students are invited to spend their Saturday at the Fab Lab. There are classes to suit every age and interest, from creating spooky pumpkin volcanoes in “Halloween Chemistry” to programming a robot to travel across a zipline in “Engineering” class. No experience is required. Classes are $40 and include all supplies and take-home projects. Limited spaces are available, and sessions sell out quickly. For the full schedule and more information, visit https://suncoastscience.org/steam-saturdays.
David Berry, Associate Director of Academic Affairs and Special Projects, is one of Sarasota’s favorite lecturers. His dry sense of humor and wealth of knowledge is sure to both entertain and educate your group. Dr. Berry is available to speak on any of the following subjects: The origins of museums, museum architecture and display, The Victorian museum, early museums in America, museums, education, and community engagement, great women collectors, the illicit trafficking of cultural property, world fairs, an introduction to natural history, great illustrated natural history books, natural history and children’s literature, scientific illustration, natural history specimens, natural history collections, art and medicine, the art of anatomy, the art of astronomy and microscopy, the art of geology and paleontology (including dinosaurs), botanical and zoological art, botanical and zoological gardens, the golden age of botanical exploration, the orchid craze in Victorian Britain, and Japanese garden design and horticultural practices (ikebana and bonsai). $100 flat fee; must be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance, $250 for custom topics; must be scheduled at least 6 weeks in advance. Lectures include a single-speaker, slide illustrated lecture. All programs are hosted via Zoom. For additional information, or to book a virtual program, contact Laura Steefel-Moore, Head of Educational Programs, at laura.steefel-moore@ringling.org.
Moonlight & Melodies Dinner Series is a new dining experience for opera lovers. This year Sarasota Opera welcomes our community into the Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt Courtyard for an immersive themed dinner series that highlights composers from the season. As we come together to share our awe for the exquisite art these composers created, enjoy curated cocktails and food prepared by the best of Sarasota’s chefs in a setting that will transport you to a different location each evening. Make your reservations now so you won’t miss out on this exciting and new event. Moonlight & Melodies Dinner #1 will take place on Monday, November 1 at 6pm and Moonlight & Melodies Dinner #2 will take place on Monday, February 21 at 6pm.
The comedy team of Compton and Bennett are off their walkers again in this hysterical sequel to the runaway hit about the nursing home and beyond. Christmas, Hanukkah, and retirement will never be the same. Assisted Living the Musical® THE HOME...for the Holidays with Music, Lyrics & Book by Rick Compton and Betsy Bennett will show from November 19 to December 19 at the Venice Theatre.
Hair is the rock musical that started it all. This joyous rebellion proudly reclaims love as the heart of what it means to be American. Packed with music that is beautiful, irreverent, and deeply evocative, the quirky, all-inclusive vibe doesn’t shy away from poignant social commentary. This iconic musical and Grammy Award-winning score get an exuberant and resonant retelling in the hands of Broadway and Asolo Rep favorite Josh Rhodes. Unforgettable numbers like “The Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine In),” “Aquarius,” “Good Morning Starshine,” and “Hair” will bring audiences to their feet. Contains mature themes, language, and brief nudity. Recommended for age 16+. Hair will show November 17, 2021–January 1, 2022.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County will be hosting their 67th Annual Christmas Tree Lot at the Westgate Shopping Center (Publix), 3913 Manattee Ave. W. Bradenton beginning on Friday, November 26 from 9am to 7pm and will be open Saturday, November 27 from 9am to 7pm. It will be closed Mondays - Wednesdays, open Thursdays and Fridays from 5pm to 9pm, Saturdays from 9am to 6pm and Sundays from 12pm to 7pm.
Your favorite weeknight hangout has arrived at its new home, Waterside Place, the newest town center in Lakewood Ranch. Ranch Nite Wednesdays will take place from 6-9pm, every Wednesday, starting November 10, 2021 and through May, 2022. It will feature New food trucks + dessert truck each week, Weekly live music from local artists, Night market every 2nd Wednesday hosted by Main Street Market LWR, Outdoor bar hosted by Waterside Place tenant Good Liquid Brewing & Scratch Kitchen, and The 2nd largest recreational cornhole league in the nation hosted by MVP Sports & Social.
This smash Off-Broadway hit takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy: four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” In Act II, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their ten-year reunion. We learn about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. Single tickets available Sept. 1, 2021 ($26.50 preview/ $29.50 single/ $14 student). Subscriptions are available now. The show dates are Dec. 8-11, 14-18 at 7:30pm and Dec. 12, 18-19 at 2pm.
Inspired by one location and three random notes on the keyboard, the cast of FST Improv’s Treble in Paradise creates a fully-improvised musical right before your very eyes. With no scripts, no musical score, and absolutely no idea what will happen next, our ensemble of improvisers delivers full-blown musical numbers, drama, and spontaneous choreography in this all-new musical improv show. Treble in Paradise will show every Saturday from December 4 to 18 in FST’s Bowne’s Lab.
Holiday Splendor will take place on Dec 2, 9, 16 from 5pm to 8pm. Celebrate the holiday season and help support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. Local schools will provide musical entertainment on the Bolger Campiello. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. All venues will be open for self-touring, including the Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan, and the Circus Museum. Admission to this event is free with one unwrapped toy per person. Regular admission will apply without a toy donation. $15 Adult / $5 Child. Guests are encouraged to shop in the Museum Store, which has a large selection of toys under $20. Please enter through the Visitors Pavilion.
Crosley Christmas-Holiday Songs & Fables Runs from Thursday December 9 2021 to Sunday December 19 2021 at Bradenton Kiwanis Theater, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton. Approximate running time: 2 hours. The Crosley Theater Company is delighted to share sing-a-long songs & fun-tastic fables with you this holiday season. T’will be an evening filled with laughter & joyous celebration, and quite possibly…a bit of a mystery. After intermission, Gwendolyn Crosley will present her favorite Christmas classic ever. It was written by Master Storyteller, Charles Dickens, and is one of his famous, if not most famous story, “A Christmas Carol." Produced by the Powel Crosley Theater.
A magical Venice Theatre tradition celebrating its 20th year. Our original musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic story follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he reflects on his past, present and possible future. A Christmas Carol will show from December 10 to 20 at the Venice Theatre.
ACE is known in the community for Adult & Community Enrichment classes, but did you know that 40% of those classes are in the Arts? The ACE Art Program is so vibrant that we devote a day to celebrate the accomplishments of our talented teachers, students and staff, right before the holidays, with an art sale. Join us at our main location on the campus of the Suncoast Technical College, 4748 Beneva Road in Sarasota, in the Conference Center on December 15. With over 4,000 art students at ACE, we promise there will be a marvelous selection of handmade, original, reasonably priced artwork for that unique holiday gift. Come and enjoy the beautiful ceramics, paintings, fiber art, photography, baskets, jewelry and so much more.
Explore Sarasota County’s only Butterfly House through an artistic lens on Wednesday, December 15 from 10:30am to 4pm (with a 30-minute lunch break). Students will receive a brief natural history lecture introducing Florida’s native butterflies: why they are unique, their role in the ecosystem, and conservation strategies. After, students will learn painting techniques to capture the beauty of butterflies, flowers, and nature. Open to all ages/experience levels. Class Fee: Members $85/Non-members $100. Class Size: 9 Students. Instructor: Norma Albertha Winter.
For the first time since its founding in 1969, Arts Advocates has its own gallery to display works from its collection of Florida artists. Located in the Siesta Mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 119, in Sarasota, the opening exhibit features works by Sarasota Art Colony artists. Docent-guided tours of the exhibit are open to the public from 11am to 11:45pm on the first Wednesday of each month: November 3, December 1, January 5, February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, and June 1. Tours are $10 per person, or $5 per person for Arts Advocates members, and can be booked below. Attendance is limited to 10. Group and special tours can be arranged by contacting Stephenie Frasher, docent team leader, at docent@artsadvocates.org.
St. Armands Circle has announced the event dates for its upcoming 2021 Holiday Soirée. Experience life on the circle and visit an assortment of some of the best merchants in the region. Holiday Soirée, a joint effort by the St. Armands Circle Association and St. Armands Business Improvement District, invites locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves and enjoy weekly events happening throughout the month of December. The Holiday Soirée will start Saturday, November 27. Is there a better place to spend the holiday season than on the Circle? Let it snow somewhere else. Come join an incredible series of holiday events presented by the St. Armands Circle Association. There will be six different events throughout the next month, the first starting on Saturday, November 27 as the circle kicks off the holiday season with the Let’s Go Shop Small event. Visitors can support local businesses on the Circle and get a head start on all their holiday shopping. The following week on Friday, December 3, features the Holiday Night of Lights. Beginning at 5:30pm, come enjoy the ceremonial tree lighting, sing along with carolers and witness Santa arrive on the Circle. Kids will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Santa from 6:30pm – 8pm. The final two weeks of the Holiday Soirée features two weekly events. Starting on Thursday, December 9 from 6pm to 9pm, enjoy the sweet sounds of the season by coming to Songs on the Circle. Stroll, shop and dine while you listen to this live music event. Then on Saturday, December 11, come see Porsches in the Park. Experience a day filled with beautiful automobiles and perfect weather. St. Armands Circle Association finishes its Holiday Soirée with its final two events on the week before Christmas. Ladies Night, which will be held on Thursday, December 16 from 6pm to 8:30pm, includes promotions from participating merchants for ladies. Shop and dine out on the Circle with a festive atmosphere that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. The final event will conclude on Sunday, December 19. From 11am to 1pm, the Circle encourages you to enjoy a special holiday-themed mid-day soirée at its St. Armands Family Day.
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